There are an incredible number of high-profile injuries around the NFL just two weeks into the season. The Washington Commanders are dealing with their fair share, which also includes superstar quarterback Jayden Daniels after he suffered a sprained knee against the Green Bay Packers.
The Commanders aren't alone. Several teams have seen their playoff aspirations dented or, in the Cincinnati Bengals' case, eviscerated entirely. But health concerns for some mean opportunities for others.
That's proved to be the case with one former Commanders trade flop, who stumbled into a starting opportunity when all hope seemed lost just a few short weeks ago.
Former Commanders QB Carson Wentz gets another starting chance after J.J. McCarthy injury
Carson Wentz was Ron Rivera's biggest swing to solve Washington's ongoing riddle at football's most pivotal position. It didn't take long to realize that this was going to blow up in his face. The signal-caller fluffed his lines, and the Commanders released him after just one season.
After stops with the Los Angeles Rams and Kansas City Chiefs, the Minnesota Vikings signed Wentz late in the summer after trading Sam Howell, another failed Rivera experiment. He was tasked with backing up J.J. McCarthy, but another disappointing injury to the first-round pick thrust him into another starting chance.
McCarthy is expected to miss anywhere between 2 and 4 weeks with an ankle sprain suffered against the Atlanta Falcons. The Vikings aren't planning to make any significant adjustments, which means Wentz gets one final audition to prove he can be a dependable starting option.
Wentz has started just nine games over the last three seasons. This is a good situation with prolific playmakers and a head coach in Kevin O'Connell, who is renowned for getting the best out of his quarterbacks. Whether he can take advantage of it is another matter.
Everyone knows Wentz's flaws at this juncture. He's an erratic decision-maker who often crumbles under pressure. He's got the experience to slot in and do a decent job, but his recent regression could have huge ramifications on Minnesota's quest to stake an early title claim in the NFC North.
The Commanders were right to move on from Wentz. They should never have traded for him in the first place, but at least the contract was easy enough to get off when the blockbuster trade went off the rails. But now, when his career looked to be in tatters, opportunity knocks once again.
The magnitude of this chance won't be lost on Wentz. And if it goes wrong, it'll be his last one beyond all doubt.
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